Why is travel insurance important?
Nochiketa Dixit, MD of Industries at EDME Insurance Brokers, emphasizes that during the holiday rush, “travelers may face rebooking fees, additional accommodation costs, and the loss of important belongings, leading to unexpected expenses that can accumulate quickly. Travel insurance provides a solid financial buffer during these unpredictable journeys.”
Arun Ramamurthy, Co-founder of Staywell.Health, further explains that for travellers with numerous connections or international travel, insurance serves as a “safety net” against various uncertainties, including airline delays and cancellations due to weather.
Ajay Shah, Head – Distribution at Care Health Insurance, emphasizes that having coverage protects travellers from significant unplanned expenses, allowing them to sustain their travel arrangements.
Common coverage gaps
Experts warn that last-minute travellers frequently neglect crucial policy details.
Dixit identifies some common gaps:
- Trip value not fully insured
- Lack of baggage delay benefits
- Undisclosed pre-existing medical conditions
- Exclusion of adventure or winter sports activities
Ramamurthy points out additional oversights:
- Delay thresholds and notification requirements from airlines
- Limitations on lost or stolen valuable items
- Coverage for missed connections when using multiple airlines
To prevent unexpected issues, travellers should meticulously review policy inclusions, claim trigger conditions, and necessary documentation.
Evaluating cost versus coverage
When choosing a policy, experts recommend prioritizing overall value instead of opting for the cheapest premium.
Dixit notes that slightly higher premiums often offer broader, more dependable coverage during peak travel times.
Shah suggests that travellers should balance premiums against potential financial risks, including last-minute rebooking fees, medical emergencies, or luggage loss.
Ramamurthy indicates that those with complex itineraries or international travel may gain from higher-tier policies, while shorter trips with a single carrier might not require additional coverage.
Essential clauses for winter travel
Before purchasing a policy, experts advise reviewing:
- Delay thresholds – minimum wait time before coverage begins
- Weather-related exclusions – policies may not cover known weather events
- Baggage limits – maximum insured value for personal belongings
- Missed connection coverage – vital during busy holiday seasons
- Clauses related to natural disasters and airport closures – significant for winter travel
Understanding these clauses, including any exclusions, sub-limits, and documentation needs, will help ensure that travellers choose a policy that meets their requirements.
